Noted Whitman author Dennis Tucker spent some time exploring the recent Whitman Baltimore Spring Expo, with all the excitement it had to offer, especially at Kids Korner and giveaways at the Whitman Books booth.
Mr. Tucker writes:
Friday morning at the Baltimore Expo I spent some time at the Kids Korner, gearing up for the young collectors who storm the bourse in full force mostly on Saturday when they’re off school. In preparation, we sorted Lincoln cents by type (Wheat, Memorial, and Union Shield) and stuffed Whitman bags with coins, folders, albums, and other prizes. Kids who visit the Korner get five minutes to sift through piles of cents and fill Whitman blue folders with as many dates/mintmarks as they can. (They keep them when the five minutes is up.) Younger budding numismatists get crayons to color activity sheets donated by the United States Mint. And every young visitor gets to reach into the wooden treasure chest packed with valuable coins, medals, and tokens.
Donations are welcome (and needed) for the Kids Korner. If you’re a dealer or collector and you want to encourage young hobbyists and help make their coin-show visit exciting and fun, contact Lori Kraft to make a donation of coins, tokens, medals, paper money, books, or hobby supplies.
Another round of giveaways at the Whitman Publishing booth brought crowds of collectors interested in the new 2019 Red Book. Newly appointed Senior Editor Jeff Garrett was happy to autograph copies of the annual best-seller. Whitman president Mary Burleson pointed out that the books Garrett autographed at the 2018 Baltimore Spring Expo will carry special historical significance in the future. This is his first year in the Senior Editor position, as longtime Red Book editor Kenneth Bressett has retired to the role of Editor Emeritus. Q. David Bowers continues in his position as Research Editor.